Fairfax County Weekender

Friday, July 1: It's Only
Natural

Award-winning photographer Richard Weiblinger shares his
superlative work at the opening of a special Nature
Photography Exhibit. Several additional photos of his
will also be featured in the Washington Gardener Magazine
display of photo contest winners. Both exhibits are free and
open to the public during regular Meadowlark hours. 10 a.m.
to 8 p.m. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. For information call
703-255-3631.

Also on Friday:

Summer Entertainment Series: Great music,
performances and entertainment of all kinds are presented
throughout the summer by the Fairfax County Park Authority in
partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. On
Friday evening enjoy a performance by Hangover Royale at
Royal Lake Park; Cake for Dinner at Grist Mill Park; Last
Train Home at the Mason District Park Amphitheater; or Billy
Woodward and The Senders at Lake Accotink Park. 7:30
p.m. Free. For information call 703-324-8702.

Saturday, July 2: Is
That a Pic-A-Nic Basket?

The Workhouse kicks off its month-long salute to the
military with an
Arts & Stripes Picnic featuring a curated exhibit on
military art, interactive art demonstrations, youth and
family activities, picnic food and drink and other fun
outdoor activities. A patriotic concert from the New
Dominion Choralers will be featured, along with a keynote
address by Congressman Gerry Connolly and a musical
performance by the Navy’s premier jazz ensemble, The
Commodores. 2 to 9 p.m. Workhouse Arts
Center. $5 suggested donation. For information
call 703-584-2900.

Beowulf T. Wonderbunny: The Saturday
Morning Family Fun Entertainment Series continues at Reston
Town Center with Beowulf T. Wonderbunny, a performer who
combines magic, juggling, fire-eating and balloonacy with
loads of audience participation in produce a show that leaves
all ages laughing and wondering. 10 a.m. Reston
Town Center. Free. For information call 703-476-4500.

Sunday,
July 3: Your Roots Are Showing

The Appalachian roots music sound of
Furnace Mountain is showcased at the McLean
Community Center's Summer Sundays in the Park Concert Series.
At times lively and raucous, with spirited fiddle melodies
weaving in and around the powerful rhythms of the bass and
bouzouki. It is at other times poignant and poetic, with
sublime vocal harmonies beautifully interpreting some of the
oldest songs ever written. 5 p.m. McLean Central Park. Free.
For information call 703-790-0123.

Also on Sunday:

Mid-Summer
Tour of the Potomac Valley Native Plant Collection: Enjoy a walk under the cool canopy of the
large trees in the native plant collection and learn about
perennials such as culvert’s root, Asclepias, Monarda,
mountain mint, black-eyed Susan, bee balm, cone flower, wild
petunia and Yucca that bloom in the summer. 2 p.m. Meadowlark
Botanical Gardens. Free. For information call 703-255-3631.

Wood-Carving
Lessons: Wood carvers lend their tools and
expertise to uncover your hidden artistic talent as you
create a creature from a block of wood. Lessons are free.
There is a nominal charge for wood blanks. Noon to 4 p.m.
Participants must be 8 or above. Also watch the miller
grinding, conditions permitting. Noon to 3 p.m. Call
ahead to confirm. Colvin Run Mill. Mill tour cost
is $6/adult, $5/student 16 and above with ID and
$4/child or senior. For information call 703-759-2771.

Monday, July 4: Baby You're a
Firework!

It's Fireworks, Food, Family & Fun as Lake
Fairfax celebrates Independence Day. Park grounds open at 7
a.m. so bring the family for a full day of fun. Vendors are
serving a variety of foods and tasty dessert treats; there
will be pony rides and a small petting zoo from 10 a.m. to 1
p.m., moon bounces from 1 to 5 p.m. and a field day event
with family games from 5 to 6 p.m. near the picnic area. The
fireworks show begins at approximately 9:15 p.m. For
information, call 703-759-2771.

Also on Monday:

McLean
4th of July Fireworks Celebration: McLean
commemorates the nation's 235th birthday. Last Train Home,
one of the country's best roots rock bands, will perform at
7:30 p.m. Come early for the music, food and games that start
at 6 p.m., food vendors and more. The grande finale
features some of the best fireworks around short of the
National Mall! 6 p.m. Langley High School Stadium.
Free. For information call 703-790-0123.

The Fairfax County Weekender highlights a selection of
county events taking place each weekend. Many more events
and activities can be found at the Parks and Library
pages, and elsewhere on the Fairfax County website.